When I signed up for the Get Ripped Boot Camp, I knew it would be a tough challenge, but I committed myself to doing my best at making positive changes in my life.

After nearly two months of Going the Distance with trainer Chris Dose and the rest of my workout buddies in class, I have seen myself go from being tired most days to having lots of energy.

This week, I have a break from the workout challenge. It is our off week, before class begins again next week for another month of workout mixes.

What’s it like to work out like Rocky does? Well, let me tell you. The last class of the workout session was all about Rocky, the fictional character in the movies. Anyone who knows Chris Dose, knows he is a huge fan of Rocky Balboa. Dose lives by Rocky’s motto that goes something like this, “It ain’t how hard you hit. It’s about how hard you get hit and keep moving forward...”

Let me tell you, we hit it out of the park during our Rocky workout last week. It was a night of boxing and a night of working it hard while wearing the boxing gloves. Even in my weakened sinus infection state, I did my best to keep up with the theme of the night. I ended the night by running the stairs, extending my arms into the air, just like Rocky did in the famous movie.

I have to say, I was quite proud of myself after the Rocky workout. The hour long session was all about the inspirational Rocky theme music, along with the inspirational words by Dose as he put us through the rigorous workout.

The Get Ripped Boot Camp is a great way to get back into the game of getting fit for 2012. It has worked for me, and I plan to stay with this challenge to make 2012 a better year for overall good health.

This boot camp is all about the moves while incorporating abdominal workout, lots of squat action, push ups, using bungee cords and of course the boxing. I come home each night after a workout challenge, ready to tell myself I can do anything. Working out is a gift we give to our mind and body. It tells us that we don’t get something for nothing. With hard work, there is a reward at the end. In this case, it is about extending the gift of life.

Working out is a gift I can give myself. With my genes, I need to be better. I need to hit harder. The key is to stay with a program, whatever that program may be for yourself. Take a class if you can. The best part is the camaraderie with fellow workout buddies. We all encourage each other. There is no shame in not being fit. The shame is not trying harder. It’s all about moving and I just told myself, I need to move more.

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Jane Lethlean has an off workout week from class, but still plans to move. For more information on the Get Ripped Boot Camp, call (815) 541-5321.